Staff Reporter:
Chattogram WASA and Drinkwell have signed a five-year agreement to install 94 more water ATM booths across the port city.
The agreement was signed at the Chattogram WASA boardroom on Sunday.
Chattogram WASA Managing Director (MD) Selim Md Jane Alam and Drinkwell Chief Executive Officer Minhaj Chowdhury signed the agreements on behalf of their respective organisations.
Drinkwell is currently operating six water ATM booths in the city.
Under the agreement, WASA will provide land for the booths, while Drinkwell will finance the required capital equipment. If WASA cannot provide suitable sites, Drinkwell may arrange space from government or private institutions in consultation with WASA.
Drinkwell will assess the quality of water supplied through WASA pumps or lines and install additional treatment facilities if required.
The company will also provide a service-level guarantee to fix unexpected mechanical faults within 48 hours. If a booth remains closed for more than 72 hours, it will have to arrange temporary alternative water supply.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ctg WASA MD Selim said the partnership would make safe drinking water more accessible to people in water-stressed and underserved areas.
“Water ATMs are not just a way of supplying water. They are an effective means of taking safe water to people where it is needed,” he said.
Drinkwell CEO Minhaj Chowdhury said the agreement would strengthen cooperation between the two organisations and benefit city residents.
